What causes the intense burning sensation from hot peppers. How can you effectively stop the capsaicin burn on skin, in the mouth, and eyes. Which household items provide relief from hot pepper pain.

Understanding Capsaicin: The Fiery Compound in Hot Peppers

Capsaicin is the active component in chili peppers responsible for their characteristic heat and burning sensation. This oil-based compound poses unique challenges when it comes to neutralizing its effects on skin and mucous membranes.

Why is capsaicin so persistent?

Capsaicin’s oil-based nature makes it resistant to simple washing with water. The compound binds to pain receptors, triggering a burning sensation that can persist for hours. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for developing effective relief strategies.

• Capsaicin is oil-soluble, not water-soluble
• It binds to TRPV1 pain receptors in skin and mucous membranes
• The burning sensation can last for extended periods

Preventing Capsaicin Burns: Essential Precautions

The best way to deal with capsaicin burns is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Taking proper precautions when handling hot peppers can save you from significant discomfort.

Protective measures when handling hot peppers

Always wear food-safe gloves when preparing hot peppers. This simple step can prevent most instances of skin contact with capsaicin. Additionally, avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, while working with peppers.

1. Wear disposable gloves
2. Use a dedicated cutting board for peppers
3. Wash hands thoroughly after handling peppers, even if gloves were used
4. Consider wearing goggles for extra eye protection when handling extremely hot varieties

Neutralizing Capsaicin on Skin: Effective Home Remedies

When capsaicin comes into contact with skin, quick action can help minimize discomfort. Several household items can be effective in neutralizing the burn.

Rubbing alcohol and dish soap combination

One of the most effective methods for neutralizing capsaicin on skin involves using a combination of rubbing alcohol and dish soap. This approach leverages the solvent properties of alcohol to dissolve the capsaicin oil.

1. Douse the affected area with rubbing alcohol
2. Wash thoroughly with dish soap
3. Rinse and repeat as necessary

Other skin remedies

Several alternative methods can provide relief from capsaicin burns on the skin:

• Dish soap or hand degreaser: These products are designed to break down oils
• Cornstarch soak: Starch can help draw out oils from the skin
• Vinegar rinse: The acidity may help neutralize the alkaline capsaicin
• Calamine lotion: Some users report success with aerosol calamine applications

Alleviating Capsaicin Burn in the Mouth: Dietary Solutions

When capsaicin affects the mouth and tongue, certain foods and beverages can provide relief. The key is to use substances that can either neutralize or dilute the capsaicin effectively.

Dairy products: Nature’s antidote to capsaicin

Dairy products are particularly effective at combating the burn from hot peppers. The fats in dairy help dissolve capsaicin, while the slightly acidic nature of many dairy products can help neutralize it.

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Sour cream
• Ice cream

Full-fat versions of these products are most effective, as the fat content plays a crucial role in binding to capsaicin molecules.

Other oral remedies

Beyond dairy, several other food items can help alleviate the burning sensation in the mouth:

• Acidic foods and drinks: Tomato juice, lemon, lime, pineapple
• Avocado: Contains healthy fats that can help dissolve capsaicin
• Sugar or honey: Some report relief from sweeteners
• Bread or rice: Starchy foods can help absorb capsaicin

Treating Capsaicin Exposure in Eyes: Urgent Care Techniques

Eye exposure to capsaicin is particularly dangerous and requires immediate attention. The sensitive tissues of the eye can be severely irritated by even small amounts of capsaicin.

Immediate actions for eye exposure

If capsaicin comes into contact with the eyes, quick action is crucial:

1. Remove contact lenses immediately if wearing them
2. Flush eyes with copious amounts of cool, clean water
3. Blink rapidly to stimulate tear production

Advanced eye relief methods

After initial flushing, consider these additional techniques:

• Saline solution rinse: Helps flush out remaining capsaicin
• Milk rinse: The fats in milk can help neutralize capsaicin
• Seek medical attention if severe pain or vision changes occur

The Science Behind Capsaicin Relief: Understanding the Mechanisms

To effectively combat capsaicin burns, it’s helpful to understand the scientific principles behind various relief methods. This knowledge can inform more targeted and effective treatment strategies.

How different substances interact with capsaicin

Different relief methods work through various mechanisms:

• Fats and oils: Dissolve and dilute capsaicin molecules
• Acids: Can help neutralize the alkaline nature of capsaicin
• Alcohols: Act as solvents to help remove capsaicin from skin
• Starches: May help absorb capsaicin oils

The role of pain receptors in capsaicin sensation

Capsaicin interacts with TRPV1 receptors, which are responsible for detecting heat and pain. Understanding this interaction can help in developing more targeted relief strategies.

Long-term Effects and Precautions: Beyond Immediate Relief

While most capsaicin exposures result in temporary discomfort, it’s important to be aware of potential long-term effects and take appropriate precautions, especially for those who frequently handle hot peppers.

Potential risks of repeated capsaicin exposure

Frequent or prolonged exposure to capsaicin may lead to:

• Skin sensitization
• Respiratory irritation
• Eye damage (if repeatedly exposed)

Protective measures for regular pepper handlers

Those who frequently work with hot peppers should consider:

1. Using high-quality, chemical-resistant gloves
2. Ensuring proper ventilation in food preparation areas
3. Regular hand and eye check-ups
4. Developing a standardized decontamination protocol

By understanding the nature of capsaicin and the various methods to neutralize its effects, individuals can better prepare for and respond to accidental exposures. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply enjoy spicy foods, having this knowledge can help ensure that your experiences with hot peppers remain enjoyable rather than painful. Remember, prevention is always the best approach, but when burns do occur, quick and appropriate action can significantly reduce discomfort and potential long-term effects.

How to Stop Hot Pepper Burn

I’ve been there. Forgetting to put on food prep gloves before chopping up some hot peppers. 😩 The pain will subside eventually, but below are tips to soothe those burning bits!

In the future always wear gloves when chopping up any type of hot pepper to avoid the dreaded 🔥 BURN 🔥

Learn more about what Makes Hot Peppers Spicy here!

Why is it so hard to stop the burn?
Capsaicin is an active component of chile peppers and is an oil. Washing with soap and water doesn’t stop the heat because oil-based capsaicin does not dissolve in water.

The key to stopping the heat is to neutralize the pepper oil.

Below are a few solutions that I hope will work for you. Honestly, it can be quite difficult to stop the capsaicin burn, so you may have to try the techniques below several times to get relief.

The burning sensation after cutting chile peppers comes from oils that coat the skin and are very hard to wash off. Soap and water alone don’t always do the trick. Below are some solutions to neutralize the hot pepper oil.

(1) Rubbing Alcohol/Dish Soap Combo: I’ve had the most success with rubbing alcohol & dish soap. Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent, meaning it is a dissolver of dirt and OIL. What I do is douse my hands with rubbing alcohol, then wash them with dish soap. Repeat as many times as needed to stop the burn.

(2) Dish Soap or Hand Grease Cleaner: Wash your hands with dish soap or hand degreaser. Both have oil-dissolving properties above and beyond regular hand soap.

(3) Soak in Corn Starch: Starch draws the oil out of the skin and can help to neutralize it.

(4) Vinegar: Rinse your hands with vinegar, which is an acid.

(5) Aerosol Calamine Lotion: Someone wrote in that this was the only thing that stopped the burn on their hands. Two applications worked like a charm.

IN YOUR MOUTH:

(1) Dairy works to bring down the heat. Milk, yogurt, and sour cream are acidic. Capsaicin also dissolves easily in the fats found in dairy products, so when you put a dab of sour cream in your mouth along with (or after) a bite of hot stuff, you’re creating a pretty effective dilution.

The capsaicin and dairy fats mix together, keeping some of the capsaicin molecules from finding the pain receptors on your tongue.

Remember, it’s the fat that provides the relief, so low-fat sour cream or nonfat yogurts won’t be as effective. This antidote tones down many spicy cuisines, from the use of sour cream with Mexican food to the yogurt condiments eaten with Indian meals. In Thai cuisine, rich coconut milk serves much the same purpose.

(2) Food & Drinks that are Acidic: Drinking tomato juice or eating fresh lemon, lime, pineapple, or avocado are recommended since they are all acidic foods which can neutralize some of the activity of the alkaline capsaicinoid. 

(3) Sugar/Honey: I’ve heard sugar helps. I can’t say I’ve tried this, but some say honey is a miracle worker.

IN YOUR EYES:

This is the worst. I wear contacts, so I touch my eye a couple of times a day and I cook with a lot of hot peppers. For this reason, I always wear gloves.

Even if I feel zero burning on my hands, the eyes always know! Eyes are very sensitive to even the smallest amount of pepper oil.

If you get pepper oil in your eyes when wearing contacts, take them out as soon as you possibly can. Throw them away: getting the pepper oil off them will be practically impossible.

I’ve found that my tears tend to get rid of the burn, but here are some additional solutions I’ve come across.

(1) 😭 Blink fast to tear up the eyes: Blinking will cause an influx in tears and help in flushing out the capsaicinoids.

(2)💧 Flush eyes with a saline solution: Saline will help flush out any extra pepper substance in the eye after the burning sensation has subsided. Be sure to continually blink after applying the solution to help get rid of any remaining oil in your eyes.

(3) Apply milk to reduce the burning sensation: This is a tactic used when someone has been sprayed in the face with pepper spray. I say spraying milk into your eyes would probably be the last resort, but it is an option if your eyes are super on 🔥. Or if the gal down the street sprayed you with pepper spray. If the latter is the case, you may want to rethink your life.  😆

While milk does not remove the oily particles, it can reduce the sting. Milk contains dairy fat which eliminates the capsaicin’s ability to produce heat.

To apply this method, take a large bowl and fill it with cold whole milk and then soak the affected area for relief. You can also use a spray bottle to make it easier to rinse the eyes especially if you don’t have access to a bowl.

Hopefully, these tips will help out when you’ve stepped over the line or are caught by surprise by the power of pepper oil.

How Do You Stop the Chili Pepper Burn?

by Mike Hultquist · May 17, 2022 · 209 Comments ·

Help! My chili peppers have burned my tongue! or Help! My chili peppers have burned my skin! How do you stop the chili pepper burn?

How to Stop the Chili Pepper Burn

As a spicy food lover, it’s bound to happen. You’re chopping jalapeno peppers or other hot peppers for your meal and some of it gets on your skin and starts to burn, or you take a bite of your freshly prepared spicy dish and whoa, the spicy heat is just too much.

Honestly, this happens to the best of us. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the jalapeno burn or chili pepper burn from  your skin and from eating hot peppers.

Stop the Chili Pepper Burn on the Skin

The best way to avoid chili pepper burns on the skin is to wear gloves when handling them, nitrile gloves in particular. The reason hot peppers can burn your skin is because they contain an oily substance called “capsaicin” that sticks to your skin.  

Capsaicin is the substance that makes chili peppers “hot” and spicy, so avoiding the oil is the ideal way to go. However, we often forget to wear gloves or just don’t think of it, which can cause burning not only on the hands, but on other sensitive parts of the body that you touch with your hands, particularly your eyes.

Below are several ways you can combat the jalapeno heat or other hot pepper heat on your skin, or “hot pepper hands”. Some are my own recommendations, but also some ideas are from spicy food readers who have shared their own personal experiences.

Be sure to read the comments below to learn other ways people have alleviated the heat for themselves.

Dish Soap and Water – Recommended

Dish soaps are meant to help clean oily plates, so they can be effective in washing away the chili oil from your burning skin. If you feel burning on your skin from handling hot peppers, wash them very thoroughly with water and dish soap several times to work the oils off of your skin.

Use Milk (or other Dairy) – Recommended

Dairy products like milk contain the chemical “casein” that combats the effects the capsaicin (the chemical that makes peppers hot) by stripping it from its receptor site on the skin.

To use milk to help stop the jalapeno burn, soak your hands in milk in a shallow bowl for several minutes, or until the heat subsides. If needed, wash your hands again thoroughly with dish soap and soak them again in milk.

Consider using milk, yogurt, sour cream or crema, or even ice cream to soak the burning skin.

Here are some other suggestions from spicy food lovers.

Rubbing Alcohol

The oil that makes chili peppers hot, capsaicin, is more soluble in alcohol, so a quick rub down with rubbing alcohol (or even a high proof booze) can help wipe it from your skin. Just be careful, as the initial application of rubbing alcohol can cause an initial burning or stinging sensation.

Oils

Oils can be effective in helping to dissolve the burning chili oils. Dab some olive oil or any other vegetable oil onto your burning skin with cotton balls or a napkin. Soak or wipe the skin to help dissipate the chili pepper burn.

Weak Bleach Solution

This is according to Alton Brown of “Good Eats”. He says to douse your already burning hands in a mild solution of 5 to 1 water to bleach. The bleach helps wash away the capsaicin that hasn’t yet absorbed into your skin.

Baking Soda or Corn Starch Paste

Starches can help draw out the oil from your burning skin so you can wash it away and possibly neutralize it. Use 1 tablespoon of baking soda or corn starch mixed with 1 tablespoon water to form a paste. Rub this into your skin and scrub to remove the oils causing the hot pepper burn.

Time

Please note that the chili pepper burning sensation on your skin will dissipate over time, so don’t think it’s going to last forever. For most people it lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, so give it time. It’s not actual “burning” or damaging, only the sensation of burning, so you don’t need to worry.

Hopefully this helps you find some relief with your burning skin.

Stopping Chili Pepper Burning in the Eyes

If you’ve been handling hot peppers and then touched your eyes, they can starts to burn and sting, as your eyes are extremely sensitive. If this happens, the best thing to do is to soak a paper towel in milk, then hold it to your burning eye.

The milk contains a chemical called “casein” that counteracts the burning chemical, “capsaicin”, which makes hot peppers hot.

Stop the Burn from Eating Hot Peppers (Burning Mouth or Tongue from Chili Peppers)

Many of us have experience the burn after taking a bite of something too spicy. Often it’s a bit too much hot sauce or an unexpected bit of heat at a spicy food restaurant, or you’ve simply miscalculated the heat of a pepper from your garden.

If you are experiencing mouth burn or tongue burn from eating jalapeno peppers or other hot peppers, here is what to do.

Eat Dairy

Because of the innate hotness of all chili peppers, they can burn not only the inside of your mouth, but your skin as well. If you find that you simply can’t bear the heat after eating a chile pepper, try to consume a dairy product, like milk, yogurt, or ice cream.

Dairy products contain a chemical called casein that combats the effects of capsaicin (the chemical that makes peppers hot) by stripping it from its receptor site on the skin.

Milk can take some time to quell an intense burn, but it works. You’ll notice an initial dissipation of the heat, but extremely hot peppers and foods can persist, so continue with the milk or dairy. Rinse and then swallow if necessary.

Sugar

I’ve also tried sugar and that seems to work in a pinch. Sugar can help absorb some of the hot chili oil and can reduce the burn.

Time

The burning heat from eating spicy foods will eventually dissipate over time, so at least you know it won’t last forever, even though it may feel that way at the moment.

I hope this helps. Again, please review the many reader comments below who’ve shared their own experiences and methods for combating burning skin, burning eyes, and burning tongues from eating hot peppers and other spicy foods.

Share Your Experience – Help Others

If you’ve found a solution that worked for you, please share your methods below to help others stop the chili pepper burn.

NOTE: This post was updated on 5/17/22 to include new information. It was originally published on 6/20/14.

Reader Interactions

Why does chili pepper make your mouth hot and how dangerous is it

03/21/2019 |
Interesting facts about temperature |
Number of views: 24221

Earlier on the site in the section “Interesting facts about temperature” we wrote about the cooling property of mint (see “Why mints make your mouth cold”). It’s time to deal with chili peppers too, to find out why the pepper burns, as if we ate something hot.

Chili peppers come in many shapes, colors, sizes and strengths, but all varieties have one thing in common – the burning sensation they cause in the mouth, eyes and any other part of the human body in which their juices come into contact.

Although most people think that the hottest part of a chile is the seeds, it is actually the spongy layer that lies inside. Try a piece of this layer and you will really feel a burning sensation, as if you have eaten something very hot.

The burning sensation is known to be mainly caused by a chemical called capsaicin found in chili peppers and other hot spices. When you eat chili, capsaicin acts on TRPV1 receptors in the mouth and on the tongue.

TRPV1 receptors are responsible for the sensation of heat in the body. The receptors send a signal to the brain, making it think that your mouth is literally on fire.

Historically, the reason wild chili plants first began to produce capsaicin, according to plant evolutionists, was because the plants were trying to protect themselves from being eaten by mammals. However, oddly enough, birds, unlike mammals, do not have TRPV1 receptors, so they do not experience pepper burn. The plants actually encourage the birds to eat them and distribute the seeds through the droppings.

Humans are also mammals, sensing the burning sensation of pepper through TRPV1 receptors. Why doesn’t capsaicin not only not deter people, but most of us like to add it to different dishes?

Chili peppers are measured in units called Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Different varieties of chili peppers are characterized by different values ​​of these units. Relatively mild chilies such as the Dutch Long chili have only 500 units, Naga chili, which is one of the hottest in the world, has 1.3 million units. The current world record is held by the Carolina Reaper 9 pepper0019, which was first bred in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It scored an impressive 1.57 million units, according to tests conducted by Winthrop University of South Carolina.

So what happens when you bite into a hot pepper? After a few minutes, the eyes will water, the heart will beat faster, the pupils may even dilate. This is how the human body responds to the initial burst of pain by releasing adrenaline. In addition, after a significant dose of pepper, the body begins to produce endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers, essentially opiates. Opiates are known to induce a pervasive feeling of happiness, which is sometimes described by lovers of hot chili peppers.

In fact, pepper consumption is a form of thrill seeking, fueling our brain’s desire for stimulation. This is what makes humans different from mammals.

But other than the thrill, the pain, and the intoxication, is there any health benefit to eating chili?

Researchers believe that capsaicin may help increase blood flow or even change gut bacteria in a beneficial direction. In 2012, a team of hamster nutritionists at the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that capsaicin helps break down so-called “bad” cholesterol, which can clog the animals’ arteries, leaving the “good” cholesterol untouched. Capsaicin was also found to block the action of a gene that contracts arteries, restricting blood flow.

Peppers have also been shown to be a good source of antioxidants. They are also rich in vitamin C, A, as well as minerals such as iron and potassium.

Capsaicin is also sometimes touted as a potential weight loss agent. Research conducted by the University of Wyoming on mice fed a high-fat diet showed that the capsaicin molecule increases metabolic activity in animals, causing them to burn more energy and preventing weight gain. This is due to the fact that receptors in the stomach that interact with capsaicin can signal overeating. Human studies support the idea that eating spicy food curbs appetite.

Not to mention the analgesic effect of chili peppers. Pepper creams and patches are available from pharmacies to help relieve pain. This is due to the fact that after excessive stimulation, irritated neurons stop responding, and the pain subsides.

It would seem that chili peppers are a solid benefit. However, it is not. On YouTube you can find a recording of a pepper eating show that took place in Holland. The recording shows that people are sweating, hiccuping. Vomiting causes relief and exultation. There is eyewitness evidence that the consumption of 2-3 peppers at a time can lead to a sharp deterioration in well-being, up to a heart attack. Moreover, the recovery of the body after a burn with pepper is rather slow.

If the pepper doesn’t actually burn or raise the temperature, why would it cause such a severe reaction? Let’s get back to the basic biology of capsaicin. Under the action of capsaicin, certain TRPV1 receptor neurons are activated. These neurons send a warm message to the brain, whether the cells are activated by a real burn or a hot pepper. They cannot distinguish between irritation options.

Thus, the biological effect of eating pepper can be considered as a reaction to real burns. The body takes action. It is cooled by perspiration. In response to pain, neurons release substances that cause blood vessels to dilate in order to improve blood flow to the injured area. When pepper gets on the gastric mucosa and irritates pain-sensitive nerve endings, the body tries to get rid of it by vomiting. Just like the pain of a real burn, the sharp pain of a pepper burn can trigger frills and a heart attack.

Is it possible to get used to spicy food? We know that spicy dishes are very common in the cuisine of certain countries and peoples, and the locals love them and consider them delicious. However, people who are not accustomed to extremely spicy food cannot eat such food. I remember that in our student years we went to the mountains, to the Caucasus and went to the local canteen for lunch. We were given kharcho soup. The soup was thick, fragrant, beautiful. It was very disappointing that I could only eat two spoons, it was so spicy.

How does hot pepper get addicted? Biologists have observed that administering capsaicin over a long period of time to young mammals causes the death of pain neurons, which then do not regenerate. Is it possible that in people who constantly burn themselves with pepper, part of the pain neurons are turned off?

Capsaicin and chili pepper remain a mystery, the subject of research by biologists and geneticists. But whether it’s friends or foes, we’re getting more and more addicted to spicy food. According to statistics, the world consumption of dry chili is increasing every year by about 2.5%.

Why hot chillies might be good for us

Is the chilli pepper friend or foe?

Neurogenic and psychosomatic effect of natural cosmetics – STYX

“Skin and brain are embryological brothers nostalgic for each other. The skin is the front barrier of the nervous system. Therefore, every action of a cosmetologist, every drop of a product applied to the skin, causes a response of the autonomic and central nervous system, cortex and subcortical structures of the brain, and not only how the patient’s skin will look today, but also depends on the cosmetologist. how it will look for years to come. Professor L. Misery, 2000

In the process of studying the etiology and pathogenesis of a number of aesthetic defects (acne, aging, lipodystrophy, alopecia, etc.), physiologists and pharmacologists followed different paths, but came to a general scientific conclusion: between the nerve cells of the whole body and skin cells, information is constantly taking place exchange, which is carried out through neurotransmitters and neurotransmitters (biological messengers that maintain neurohumoral balance in a living system). One of the first “messengers” was discovered dimethylaminoethanol – a precursor of choline and acetylcholine – a regulator of the cell life cycle, which counteracts the processes of involution, which led scientists to the following conclusion.

Cosmetics can also be “smart” and even “highly intelligent”, since with the help of skin cells it establishes an information exchange between the systems of the whole organism, endowed with a mirror right to “attach its voice and its suggestions” to the general program for controlling life processes.

As you know, the skin is an organ with the most powerful innervation, rising from the depths of the hypodermis to the most peripheral sections of the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The neurogenic connections of the skin with all body systems are so strong that anatomically and functionally they influence each other. Neurotransmitters of skin receptors and the entire branched tree of the autonomic and central nervous systems do a “common cause”, protecting the integrity of all metabolic processes, regardless of the variability of external factors. In other words, we can say that all skin cells (and these are Langerhans cells, and keratinocytes, and melanocytes, and fibroblasts, Merkel cells) are no less immunocompetent than brain cells, influencing metabolic and adaptive processes with all their numerous receptors, synthesizing neurotransmitters and metabolic enzymes, controlling the most important physiological functions: immunity, differentiation and proliferation of keratinocytes, pigmentation, synthesis of the structural and glycosaminoglycogan matrix, and even the development of nervous tissue in the upper layers of the skin.

The receptor apparatus of the skin consists of afferent (receiving signals from outside), efferent (reacting to internal impulses) nerve fibers and specific nerve formations (Merkel cells, Krause flasks, Meissner bodies, Golgi Matsoni, Ruffini and Vatter), transmitting nerve impulses through synthesis of neurotransmitters and neurotransmitters, which are divided into three groups: amino acids, peptides and monoamines.

• Neuropeptide “Substance R” – has a wide range of biological activity: it has a vasodilating effect, increases capillary permeability, activates the synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators, is responsible for the transmission of pain impulses
• Somatostatin – muscle relaxation, antispasmodic, activation of carbohydrate metabolism
• Neuropeptide Y — Leptic mediator, activates the process of lipogenesis in hypodermal adipocytes
• Bradykinin — vasodilation, activates reparative processes
• Neurotensin – analgesia, vasodilation, anti-stress effect, activation of histamine antagonists
• Calcitonin peptide gene — vasoconstriction
• Melanostimulating hormone – adaptation of the body to UVI, onco- and radioprotector
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone – lipolysis, muscle strengthening, melanin synthesis
• Dopamine – anti-stress, reward, skin elasticity, muscle tone, flush, luminous skin color (holiday effect)
• Endorphins – anti-stress, elimination of hyperemia, peeling, increase of skin elasticity and tone
• Acetylcholinesterase – increase in the productivity of defense systems, immunomodulator, holiday effect
• Dipeptide carnosine – activation of collagen fiber synthesis, reduction of wrinkle depth, increase in skin density and elasticity, protection of cells from lipid peroxidation and UV damage

Nerve endings of the skin react to low molecular weight cosmetic ingredients belonging to the class of primary metabolites and idiolytes (alcohols, enzymes, carboxylic acids, ketones, aldehydes, cytokinins, chromones, etc. ).

It must be said that the idea of ​​the interaction of the neuroreceptor apparatus of the skin with topical (externally applied drugs) is not new and has been known to the world for many thousands of years. Methods of external neuroinfluence are especially popular in Eastern medicine (China, Vietnam, Korea). For example, capsaicin, an alkaloid found in black pepper, cinnamon, oregano and chili pepper, activates the synthesis of substance P (a neuropeptide that informs the nervous system about inflammation) by sensitive skin receptors, mobilizing all body systems for an anti-inflammatory response. Therefore, drugs with capsaicin are effective for acne, herpes, shingles, joint and muscle inflammation. Menthol, caffeine (trimethylxanthine) and gingerol (components of ginger, mint, ginkgo biloba, centella, ginseng) activate the body’s carrier media, accelerating the elimination of toxic and stagnant products, accelerating metabolic, trophic processes, providing renewal and rejuvenation.

The fact that the condition of the skin depends on a variety of processes occurring inside the body has been known since ancient times. With gastritis and peptic ulcer, stress reactions often occur on the face and skin of the hands (itching, hyperemia, spots). Vitamin A deficiency is manifested by keratoses (roughening of the skin) and alopecia; vitamin B1 – rough hyperpigmented scaly skin with the appearance of red spots, swelling and inflammation, and vitamin B6 – cracks in the red border of the lips. Hypertension is often accompanied by rosacea, and hormonal crises and constipation are fraught with the appearance of acne, folliculitis, and pimples. To date, science has proven the fact that under the influence of aggressive factors and true stress on the body (somatic diseases, lack of sleep, chronic intoxication), the nerve endings of skin receptors begin to produce a number of neuropeptides (substance P, neurokinins, bradykinin, neuropeptide Y). This leads to lipodystrophy, accumulation of excess weight, tired face syndrome (earthy color, pastiness, itching, hyperemia).

The influence of a number of peptides (components of neurocosmetics) eliminates aesthetic skin defects.

Palmitoyl-peptides stimulate the effect on the extracellular matrix, activating the processes of collagen and elastin renewal, optimize the metabolism of electrolytes and trace elements, restoring healthy cell osmosis and volumes of intercellular substance, providing the skin with reference turgor, stop stress reactions, hyperemia, inflammation, swelling .

Argylyrrin – component of aloe, green tea, licorice – prevents spontaneous contraction of fibroblasts, reduces stress-dependent manifestations of aging. Polyphenols and flavonoids of white and green tea, Roman coriander, hyssop, centella asiatica, ginkgo biloba activate the synthesis of penantapeptide-18 and enkephalin , reducing the release of inflammatory mediators, eliminate hyperthermia, hyperemia, itching, irritation.

In addition to polyphenols, proanthocyanins, phytoestrogens, glucooligosaccharides, flavone glycosides, lactoperoxidase, glucooxidase, enzymes and organic acids have a neurosomatic effect. They strengthen the muscular frame, eliminate ptosis and skin laxity, optimize metabolic processes and neutralize aging factors (lipofuscin, nonenals). The process of lipolysis is activated by escin, caffeine, iodine, alginic compounds. They not only block adrenergic receptors, increasing the activity of splitting and burning fat deposits, but also inactivate neuropeptide Y, burning fat and reducing body weight. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) and beta-endorphins – components of wild rice, brewer’s yeast, cocoa, pineapple, spirulina – activate skin trophic processes and inhibit aging factors.

Extracts and essential oils of black pepper, coriander, oregano, cinnamon, ginger contain tetraenamides, beta-myrcene, cineole, methyl cinnamate, pinenes, sabinenes, coumarins, alkaloids. Thanks to them, they relieve itching, inflammation, stimulate the renewal of skin cells, providing a pronounced lifting smoothing effect.

Cosmetics containing these components can be recommended at any age, including for the prevention of aging.

Active ingredients verbena, citronella, ylang-ylang, neroli, rose, rosewood, lemon balm and mint contains a complex of neuroregulatory phyto-endorphins that create the effect of “skin glow” and act as anti-age agents.

Phytosomal components of frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, patchouli and vetiver counteract the factors of aging, stress, damage to cellular structures, have a powerful oncoprotective effect, eliminate hormonal imbalance, helping to normalize weight, get rid of local fat deposits, visceral forms of obesity.

Brown algae extracts have an immunomodulatory effect, reducing skin lability to irritating factors.

Neuroactive complex of propanediol and red algae extract regulates the synthesis of inflammatory neurotransmitters and some interleukins.

It is not possible to compile a complete list of neurocosmetic ingredients due to their impressive amount. These are alpha-bisabolol (chamomile), limette, ruscus, peppermint, red grape extract, cypress, aloe, oat and yam extract, arnica, centella asiatica, echinacea, ginkgo biloba, horse chestnut, cypress, resin, turpentine, sulfide mud, gluconolactone and many other natural compounds.

The components of neurocosmetics always work in synergy, complementing and reinforcing each other.

Thus, dipeptide carnosine in combination with vitamins B5 and C promotes the synthesis of collagen fibers, reduces the depth of wrinkles, increases density and elasticity, protects cells from oxidation, improves skin color, strengthening capillaries.

Effectiveness of neurocosmetics:

• treatment of dermatitis, dermatosis
• enhancing the protective functions of the skin
• fight against aging factors, rejuvenation, lifting
• strengthening of the muscular frame of the skin
• fight against allergic reactions
• elimination of involutional changes in the hypodermis (cellulite, liposclerosis)
• strengthening of the vasculature
• optimization of vascular drainage
• metabolism optimization
• solution of a complex of trichological problems (hair treatment)

At the same time, the fact of the selectivity of the action of neurocosmetics is very important, namely, that the volume of interaction is determined by the cell itself, based on its eccrine and paracrine regulation mechanisms. This means that physiological reserves are obtained from internal sources of the body.

Accordingly, neurocosmetic preparations have no side effects and addiction and can be used at any age without restrictions.

One of the subjective effects of neurocosmetics is paresthesia (feeling of numbness in a local area, a feeling of “creeping”, tingling, a feeling of “overflows” of liquids, contrasting temperature sensations). After the use of neurocosmetic preparations, a change in the psycho-emotional status is often possible: a feeling of bliss, euphoria, excitement, a surge of energy, elimination of hunger, drowsiness, and even a change in eating behavior (rejection of a number of products, for example, alcohol, beer, fatty foods, reduction in salt and sugar intake).

The disadvantages of neurocosmetics include the complexity of the biochemical processes caused by it, which require education and competence from specialists. The fact is that stimulation of the neuro-immune structures of the skin is often associated with local stress reactions that are pseudo-allergoic in nature (temporary redness, swelling, the appearance of petichia). At the same time, the stress reaction may be associated not so much with the characteristics of a particular agent, but with the basic state of its immune cells and the functional state of the hydrolipid mantle.

Therefore, neurocosmetics are STRICTLY classified as professional products that can only be used in clinics and beauty salons and are not suitable for home use by consumers without special medical education and without experience working with such potent substances. Only a knowledgeable specialist can quickly recognize such a reaction and level it with the help of antagonist neuro-drugs. For example: in case of hyperemia, on the effect of capsaicin preparations, use preparations containing anti-stress polyphenols (green tea, hyssop, lavender). Only competent specialists, already at the level of theoretical knowledge, can suggest that cosmetic preparations with stimulating neuroactivity (menthol, camphor, capsacin, cineole, furochromone) should not be applied to damaged skin so as not to provoke an aggravation of the problem.